Ionizing Radiation Science and Technology in Agriculture

Ionizing Radiation Science and Technology in Agriculture is an authoritative and comprehensive guide that covers the latest research and applications of nuclear irradiation in agriculture. The book is organized into nineteen chapters that cover various aspects of this technology, ranging from the basics of radiation biology and crop responses to the economic and regulatory aspects of nuclear irradiation in agriculture. The book begins with an introduction to nuclear irradiation in agriculture, followed by a detailed discussion of radiation biology fundamentals and their impact on crop responses. Advances in radiation sources and delivery systems for agricultural applications are also covered, with an emphasis on the latest innovations in this field. The book then delves into radiation dose optimisation for crop quality and safety, discussing the optimal radiation levels needed to maximise benefits without harming crops. The impact of radiation on plant physiology and biochemistry is also explored in depth, with a focus on how radiation-induced genetic variability can be harnessed for crop improvement. Chapters on irradiation for pest control and pathogen inactivation, radiation preservation of fresh produce and grains, and radiation technology for value-added crop processing round out the book's coverage of the practical applications of nuclear irradiation in agriculture. Finally, the book concludes with a detailed examination of the economic and regulatory aspects of nuclear irradiation in agriculture, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of this technology and its potential for promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing food quality and safety. This book is an essential resource for agricultural scientists, researchers, students, and policymakers who are interested in the latest advances in nuclear irradiation technology and its applications in agriculture.